Flea Market Find: Vintage Dressers

Think beyond the bedroom when searching for your next dresser

Michelle Gage May 21, 2016

Michelle Gage is a Philadelphia-based interior designer with an affinity for playful prints and whimsical designs. Her career began as a buyer for Anthropologie Home where she was tasked with selecting everything from art and antiques to decorative textiles. In 2015, Michelle embarked on her own and founded Michelle Gage Interiors. *** Please note, as of 2019, we have stopped sharing our new work here. To view our recently-completed projects, please visit michellegage.co.

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If you’re on the hunt for a special piece of furniture, head to the flea market, where you can find a Shabby Chic-style dresser or one a bit more modern. Whether you’re looking for a French Provincial piece for your bedroom or you want to repurpose an old dresser as a bathroom vanity, we’ve got you covered. Here are some things to consider before your next buying trip.

Sean Litchfield Photography

You’ll see plenty of dresser styles to choose from at the flea market. Prices will range from modest to time-to-take-out-a-second-mortgage. You may be able to snag a steal for around $50, especially if the piece is very well-loved — aka, has earned a few dings and scrapes over the years.

Dreamy Whites

A romantic French Provincial piece like this is a pretty common find but also highly coveted, and it will typically cost anywhere from $150 to $500. These were often made as parts of bedroom sets, so be sure to ask the dealer if he or she has any other pieces — you might be able to work out a deal.

Tip: If you find a dresser in a worn condition, try fixing it up yourself. Clean, sand and scrape it down. Then apply a few coats of white paint.

Shabby-chic Style Nursery Shabby-chic Style Nursery

Sometimes you’ll find the dresser of your dreams with a mirror attached. If that’s not the look you’re after, see if you can purchase just the dresser. If you must buy both, consider using the mirror elsewhere in your home.

ROM architecture studio

If you’re on the hunt for a unique kitchen island, the flea market is once again your best friend. If you plan to use the drawers for storing pots and pans, double check their sturdiness, as this is something that can’t be easily fixed.

Tip: While it isn’t easy to fix broken drawers, it is easy to clean them up. A dash of soap on a washcloth will clean off most dirt. Nail polish remover works well for getting rid of paint or ink. Murphy’s Oil Soap is a great way to bring back the shine on dull stained wood.

3sixty Space Planning + Design Inc.

Another great spot for a vintage dresser is the bathroom. It not only adds storage, but brings warmth and character to the room.

Gill Design Co.

A dresser can also be converted into a sink vanity. A larger dresser can accommodate two sinks, along with loads of toiletries and other supplies inside.

Tip: A dresser with imperfections on top (especially in the center) might be an ideal candidate for a vanity conversion since much of the top will be taken up by the sink. You might be able to get a deal on such imperfection as well. But do pay attention to the functionality of the drawers.

Hide & Sleep Interior Design

Choose to update your flea market find with ombre. This is an easy DIY for any slightly damaged dresser. Paint each drawer in a progressively darker shade to achieve the look.

Michaela Noelle Designs

Some painter’s tape, paint and a steady hand are also great tools for repurposing an old dresser. The chevron pattern make this old, drab dresser sing. Also consider adding some new hardware to freshen the look.

Reluctant DIYer’s Diary of a Dresser Makeover

Adrienne DeRosa

If you find a dresser that’s a little worse for wear, embrace it. Stick it outside, chipped state and all, and use it for storage.

More Flea Market Finds:
Vintage Signs | Vintage Ladders | Brass Animal Figurines